The red grape variety originates from France. Synonyms are Cabernet Duras, Durade, Duras, Durasca, Duras Femelle, Duras Male, Duras Rouge and Durazé. The name is derived from "dur" (hard) and refers to the hard wood of the vine.

According to one hypothesis, it is a descendant of the ancient Duracina grape variety mentioned by Cato (234-149 BC) and Columella (1st century AD). It was first reliably mentioned in 1842 in Gaillac in south-west France.
According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it originates from a presumably natural cross between Tressot Noir x Savagnin Blanc (Traminer). However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see molecular genetics). It should not be confused with the Italian variety Ner d'Ala (Dúras).
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